Sutton Ambulance Station mosque plans split opinion

Belmont and Sutton Muslim Assembly (BASMA) has applied to convert the vacant building in Dorset Road in Belmont into a space for worship, education and community activities.

The proposal would see the single-storey building kept largely as it is, with a small extension added to create a women’s prayer and multi-use area, accessible toilets, ablution facilities and a kitchen.

Inside, the former ambulance garage would become a male prayer hall, alongside a multi-purpose hall, an imam’s office and rooms for community use.

Outside, the forecourt would be resurfaced to provide parking, with new boundary treatments and planting added.

The centre would operate seven days a week, with community activities running from 7am to 10pm and prayers continuing until 11pm.

However, the plan has been met with controversy, with 918 objections submitted to Sutton Council, as well as 597 letters of support.

Many objections focus on concerns about congestion and parking on nearby residential roads.

Rita De Oliveira said: “This will create a huge impact on the local community due to the increase in traffic, pollution, noise etc, which would not be fair on the local residents."

Carli James wrote: “As with the new place of worship on Carshalton Road, this will cause major parking disruptions in the area with no consequences for parking in restricted parking zones.

“Sutton already accommodates for all religions' places of worship and does not need any more.”

Alfie Burroughs said the area was already busy and warned the plans would add extra pressure.

He said: “There are more than enough mosques in the local area.

“We don't need anymore, why not a safe place for children?"

Christopher Moore raised concerns about the number of visitors compared to the parking available.

He said: “The plans indicate that the facility could accommodate approximately 240-250 visitors, yet there are only 14 parking spaces available on site.

“This is clearly insufficient for a venue of this size.

“As a result, it is highly likely that parking will overflow onto the surrounding residential streets.”

Robert Jakusconek said nearby roads were already congested and warned of safety risks.

He said: “All this additional traffic and parking problems will be substantially increased putting young children's safety at risk.

“This proposal with minimal onsite parking will make it worste.”

Huw Chandler also objected, saying the change of use was unnecessary and would not suit the area, adding: “This change of use is not needed as there are sufficient places of worship in Sutton.

“Additionally, the appearance of the building is not in keeping with a residential area.”

Supporters of the plan said the centre would provide an important community facility and meet the needs of local residents.

Mr A Aamir said: “The local area currently lacks a nearby mosque or Islamic place of worship to serve the Muslim community.

“The proposed conversion of an existing building would provide an accessible facility for prayer and community activities without the need for complete new construction, making effective use of the existing built environment.”

Naushad Mirza wrote: “I support this application as it is much needed.

“It will benefit the growing local community.

“There is not enough capacity in other places of worship which are overflowing in Sutton.”

Fauzia Khan added: “Community spaces and places of worship will benefit local communities.

“The centre will also provide health and wellbeing, youth activities, education and support for elderly residents.”

The plans will be considered by Sutton Council before a final decision is made.

Sutton Council intends to make a decision on the application by April 2.

We contacted BASMA for a comment, but we did not hear back.